Another day, another bunch of appointments followed by riding. Some journalists have found time to write, blog and Twitter from the site; but as you can see, I’m like three weeks behind due to my other duties.

First I’m off to BMC, or Bob’s Mountain Company. American Bob Bigelow started BMC in Switzerland in 1995 with an MTB model, but the company was sold to Andy Rihs in 2001 and is now better known for their road bikes. Style/Passion/Precision is the company mantra, and I could see all this evident in the bikes that were shown. The new-for-2009 trailfox 01 (Small”t”) shown here looks pretty sweet, with 140mm of travel, and an APS suspension design that I’m told has characteristics much like  a DW Link, but with it’s own patent. Frame and shock $2249, complete with XT/DT/FoxQR for $4499

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Over at Pedro’s they have some new stuff. Like the Evolver chain tool. It’s Speed Dial spins to handle any 1/8” and 3/32” single and multi-gear chain, including Campy 11 speed. And the Retracting Pin Guide (RPG) prevents misalignment of the pin, a bane for mechanics. Available in shops as of spring 2010 for $99. Check out the real item and the prototypes in this photo…

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And I had to shoot the new Master Tool Kit 3.0. This $939 mechanics tool kit has a new watertigtht resin case that carries a lifetime warranty. 65 pieces available next spring.

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Over at Lazer they have a new MTB helmet, the Nirvana. It features big vents, a flat spot on top to mount a light, and Lazer’s Rollsys fitting system, whereby fit is controlled by a knob on top. I’ve used Rollsys, and it offers the most positive head-gripping adjustment I’ve tried. The helmet never bobbles around on your head.

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DT Swiss showed me their new M1600 wheelset. At $7-800 it’s a good way to get DT’s venerable star ratchet pawl system at an affordable price. Here Gary Boulanger of Bike Radar checks out a wheel.

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I also got a look at DT’s 36 tooth star ratchet upgrade, for when 18 points of contact just isn’t enough.

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More riding that afternoon, but first, pick up some schwag Pivloc sunglasses from Smith.

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Then Gelande Quaffing, again courtesy of Smith Optics. But that’s another story….

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